There Are 3 Famous Catfish Restaurants In The Small Town Of Hazen, Arkansas
By Melanie Johnson|Published July 20, 2023
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Melanie Johnson
Author
I am a nature lover and self-proclaimed foodie wrapped in one package. In my previous life, I was an Accountant, but numbers were boring and writing is the only thing that fuels my soul. So, I write because it's my freedom...it brings me joy. When I'm not writing dope articles for OnlyInYourState, I am writing and editing articles for my online blog on Medium.com. Or, when I get the chance, I am off on a trip with my family chasing waterfalls, or simply exploring the great outdoors. My mantra is to always find the best part of every day and bask in it.
If you were to ask Arkansas folks about our favorite catfish restaurant, you’ll probably hear Dondie’s White River Princess in Des Arc mentioned a few times. And while Donde’s dishes up mouthwatering catfish, there are three restaurants in Hazen that are equally as delicious. These beloved restaurants are so famous that folks travel for miles just to sink their teeth into some of the best catfish that money can buy. Come hungry and let’s embark on this food journey at these three locally famous catfish restaurants in Hazen, Arkansas.
Folks down in the Arkansas Delta can cook a mean catfish, but that's especially true for the small town of Hazen.
Though the tiny town has approximately 1,440 residents, hundreds or perhaps thousands of folks flock to it each year. That's because the town is home to three of the best catfish restaurants in Arkansas.
Before I begin, these restaurants are in no particular order, they all dish up delicious fried catfish that will satisfy any craving.
When it comes to down home country cookin', the Hurley House Cafe is the place to be. From their delicious breakfast platters to their country fried steaks, burgers, sandwiches, and more, this restaurant is an all-time favorite for locals and visitors alike. Plus, they are also known for their fried pies, that will certainly satisfy any sweet tooth.
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Hurley House Cafe, 92 S Maple St, Hazen, AR 72064, USA
But what makes this restaurant special is their famous fried catfish platters. Golden brown and fried to perfection, this beloved eatery attracts hundreds of folks every year. The platter is served with fries, slaw, hushpuppies, and corn fritters. You can order a two-piece meal, but if you ask me, that ain't enough. Go for the three-piece meal instead, or for a small fee, add more mouthwatering fried catfish to your plate.
For the warmest and most down home, hospitable experience, head to Murry's Restaurant. As an inductee into the Arkansas Food Hall of Fame, this legendary family-owned restaurant serves some of the best food in the Delta. There is no Facebook page or website, that's because the food is so good that it speaks for itself. In fact, Southern Living Magazine deemed the catfish the best in the country.
Lightly battered and perfectly fried to a crispy golden brown, the catfish looks almost too good to eat. The platter is served with delicious sides and will be one of the best country meals you'll have this year. Plan your trip accordingly, as the restaurant is only open for dinner on Friday and Saturday. Don't skip the steaks or the bread pudding, word is that they are out of this world delicious.
Ahhh, perhaps the restaurant that sees the most folks, just look at the long line of hungry patrons inside. People travel from as far as the Carolinas to eat the delicious fried catfish at Big K's Catfish Barn. Unfortunately, the restaurant is only open from December through the end of March. So, if you want to be part of this craze, you must plan your trip during those months.
Big K's Catfish Barn Dec-Apr 1, 401 S Anderson Rd, Hazen, AR 72064, USA
The best part about Big K's Catfish Barn is that the catfish is all-you-can-eat. The buffet includes fried catfish, catfish steaks, chicken strips as well as all the right fixins. Don't overlook the fried biscuits with honey and powdered sugar...YUM! Since 1984, this beloved eatery, housed inside a local barn, has been a favorite Saturday spot for thousands of folks wanting to eat some of the best catfish in Arkansas.
No matter which restaurant you choose, it’s guaranteed that you’ll be eating the best catfish that money can buy. But if you ask me, I recommend eating catfish from all three restaurants. Chances are, you’ll be making multiple trips to the small town of Hazen, year after year.
Have you been to any of these famous catfish restaurants in Hazen, Arkansas? If so, which one did you visit? Tell us in the comments below. And while you’re in the area, check out one of the smallest state parks in Arkansas to learn the fascinating history of the White River.
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